opinions on my itinerary

[dtolle]

Ok, so we are in WDW from Aug 26th until Aug 31st. We do not arrive though until evening on the 26th, so that day is basically shot, and we leave at 11am on the 31st so that day is gone too.

So, we have 4 full days, we are staying offsite, and we do have a rental car.
Here is what we have planned, I'd love some input though seeing as though I've never been. I had DD 5 and DS 8, and DH...a big kid himself

Saturday- MK all day ( we may leave for a break if its too hot, but we plan on spending morning and night there ).

Sunday - AK all day ( my ds is very much into the animal scene, and I'm thinking this may be best not to rush through, I want him to enjoy it all )

Monday- Epcot Morning and MGM later in the day

Tuesday- We would like to go and do something non WDW like go into Orlando to the outlets and do some sightseeing.

So, I am thinking a 3 day hopper should work well. I understand we definitly won't be seeing everything, as we are limited on time. The main things we def have to do is FantasyLand, Adventureland, Germany in Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. Everything else we have the idea that we will see and do what we can, and whatever we miss, we can see it next time.

Soooo, any thoughts? Do you think Epcot and MGM in one day is do-able?

The other thing is that we are staying in a room w/ a kitchen and we fully intend on using that to our advantage. I don't mind eating out, but if we can do breakfast in the room, and bring along all of our snacks I think that will be good for the budget. We are bringing $800 with us in cash, and do not plan on eating at any of the high end restaurants with the exception of one night probably.
We are pretty thrifty people, not cheap, but I also don't blow money. I figure the kids will each get $50 for souveniers, and the majority of the rest of the $800 will go towards food, and any other expenses like gas for the rental car.

I went to Allearsnet and read through the menus at the various places. It appears that most of the counter services are very reasonable, and I think $100 per day for food sounds fair especially if we are doing breakfast and snacks in the room.

Your input would be much appreciated!

 

[4greatboys]

AK closes the earlies of all parks. Why not try to get in a couple of hours after it closes at Epcot or MGM.
Epcot takes a long time depending on how many things you want to see and do.
If your eating breakfast in your room and just having counter service $100 a day should be fine, if you even spend that much. The kids can get kids meals and they are typically $5 and if you dd is a light eater you may just want to share a meal with her. Most places that you get burgers you can order a double and get an extra bun, and make 2 burgers out of it.

 

[califred]

The day you go to AK you will definitely be able to go to another park, Epcot would be your best bet.

The the next day you can do part MGM part Epcot.

 

[mhingher]

Personally I think it will be hard to stay in the parks all day this time of year, especially with kids. It will most likely be very hot and humid. I think you should try taking breaks-- even if you don't want to go back to the resort, maybe when you're in the MK you can hop on a monorail and check out some of the resorts. You can get to the Grand FLoridian, Contemporary and Polynesian. At least it will be air conditioning, and it's fun to see the shops and things in the resorts. Animal Kingdom will only be open until 5pm or so, and if you're there first thing in the am I don't think you'll need the whole day. I suggest you plan on spending maybe that evening at MGM or Epcot.

When DH and I went to WDW with friends in March, we were on a strict budget. We stayed for a week, and only had 3 breakfasts "out". Before we checked in, we visited a local food store and bought some cereal, fruit and snacks. We also packed PB&J some days for lunch. It worked out really well. And on the days we ate out for breakfast, we had PS for CHef Mickeys (buffet-COntemporary), Kona Cafe (Polynesian) and Crystal Palace (buffet- MK). I highly recommend at least one character buffet. You'll get some great photo opportunities.

Have a great time and say hi to Mickey for us... we'll be there in May!

--Melissa

 

[MonkeyPants]

as noted by those above, AK closes early so you'll definitely have time to hit one of the other parks and Epcot is a good choice as you can hit the world showcase and then see Illuminations.

I have a feeling that by that last day you'll find you are wanting to go back to the parks rather then check out other orlando attractions but you'll have at least gotten a taste of the magic of dinsey and if you are at all like us, will be totally hooked and will be planning your next disney vacation on the trip home

 

[Cruz Family]

as noted by those above, AK closes early so you'll definitely have time to hit one of the other parks and Epcot is a good choice as you can hit the world showcase and then see Illuminations.

I have a feeling that by that last day you'll find you are wanting to go back to the parks rather then check out other orlando attractions but you'll have at least gotten a taste of the magic of dinsey and if you are at all like us, will be totally hooked and will be planning your next disney vacation on the trip home

I pretty much agree with MonkeyPants, I would definitely plan something after AK. And if it is in your budget I would get the extra day pass, if it is not in your budget I would not do the NON-Disney day on your last day. I think you will find it a happier way to end your trip, and the kids won't mind doing something different when the will still have another day at a park before they leave. One other thing if you are looking to take a mid day break from MK you may want to check out Trails End Buffet at wilderness camp ground. You can take a nice boat ride directly from MK directly over, it is cheap (as far as disney goes), good food, and best of all a buffet. If your family eats well it will pretty much sustain you most of the day. Have a great time!